It is interesting the things one gets reminded of in the quiet of contemplation of communion. For me today it was a reflection on the vow of Simplicity in life I took as a Franciscan. For celibate friars it is a vow of poverty, but for those who are called to live in the world it is one of simplicity. Why was I reminded of this?

I think it is a reflection that grows out of my overnight stay in Red Deer this week at the Sheraton for the AHS In Roads Conference. See we are a family without a signal for our television (converter box, cable, satelite, net flixs, etc) so we use our own DVD‘s either bought in discount bins, or borrowed for free from the Calgary Public Library and I will admit every so often I miss channel surfing. So Thursday night, I actually got the opportunity to have cable, and guess what? I was bored with it. Channel surfing was replaced by reading 4 books in my overnight stay and when I did watch television it was a repeat of a show I already own on DVD (Stargate SG-1).

What does this have to do with the subject of this post? Simple, the world says you need this, yet in actuality there is contentment in a simpler path. So here is where I am going:

The 1/3 Challenge and it is quite simple…a personal vow of simplicity.

Where are areas in your life that you would like to simplify? Perhaps it is getting rid of the T.V. signal, or deciding no to own DVD’s or CD‘s? Replacing your Ipod with a simple radio?

For your kids having them go through their toys and books and choosing a third to give to a charity that raises money to help kids overseas? or donate to a women’s shelter?

Perhaps it is going through your own books to donate to the library, local missions, or overseas missions?

Perhaps it is pruning your own clothes and donating them to a local shelter? (Do you keep the “Thin clothes” the “in shape” clothes?? What if you lived in the now and removed those things that held you back and blessed someone else?).

Going through all those canned goods you have and seeing if there is anyway to bless a local food bank?

Pruning old paperwork…

What is the 1/3 challenge? It is simple, cleanse yourself of 1/3 of the physical belongings in your life and see how you feel.

Will you fall short of 1/3 or go beyond once rolling. Only you will know, but it will start with the simple first step of ACCEPTING the 1/3 CHALLENGE.